The explosive Zips quickly demonstrated how they average nearly 80 points per game, opening the contest with a 15-2 run. Akron opened with makes on three of their first five shots before capping the run with a made three from Hanna Luburgh and a pair of free throws from Rachel Tecca.

Following the media timeout, Cincinnati briefly brought the lead back within single digits after scores from Tiffany Turner (Marlton, N.J. / Cherokee) and Dayeesha Hollins (Cincinnati, Ohio / Winton Woods / Michigan). However, an 11-1 scoring run from Akron made the score 30-11 with 6:17 to play in the half. Trading scores to finish out the first half, Cincinnati faced a 36-19 deficit heading into the break.

With Akron holding a 52-26 lead with 14:04 to play, the Bearcats attempted to make a comeback effort, using a 10-0 run to cut into the lead. Following a three from the Zips, UC answered with scores from Turner and Durley. Turner then added a traditional three-point play, making the ensuing free throw after being fouled driving to the basket.

A free throw from Hollins and a lay-up from Durley capped the run before Akron got back on track offensively with a score from Sina King. After Lesha Dunn (Toronto, Ontario / Trinity Valley Community College) added two for Cincinnati, Akron went on to score the next four points, putting the lead back to 20.

UC battled down the stretch and the Bearcats were able to cut the lead to 13 by the final horn. Scores from Jasmine Whitfield (Crestwood, Ky. / South Oldham) and Chelsea Jamison (Indianapolis, Ind. / Broad Ripple) along with free throws from Alyesha Lovett (Newark, N.J. / Malcolm X Shabazz) allowed Cincinnati to finish the game on a 6-0 run but eventually falling by the final score of 67-54.

Ten of Durley's 12 points came during the second half as the freshman reached double-digits in scoring for the third consecutive game. Going 6-for-12 from the floor, she also added four rebounds and four assists. Turner finished one rebound shy of a double-double for the second time this season with 12 points and nine rebounds. The junior forward swatted away a career-best four shots and added three steals.

All of Akron's offense came from Tecca, King and Hanna Luburgh as the trio combined for 65 of the Zips 67 points. Tecca and King finished with 26 and 25 respectively while Luburgh added 14.

Akron held a 44-38 edge in rebounding with Tecca and King both reaching double-digits. Despite not scoring, point guard Kacie Cassell dished out 10 assists and led Akron to an 18-9 edge in that category.

Akron shot 92.3 percent from the free throw line, making 12 of 13 shots. UC made it to the line just eight times, sinking five attempts (62.5%). Overall Akron shot 38.5 percent compared to 35.4 percent for the Bearcats.

Cincinnati returns to Fifth Third Arena Friday, December 21 when the Bearcats host Belmont with a special 12 noon tip-off time.